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WATCH PSG boss Thomas Tuchel coy on Neymar return to Barcelona

The ongoing speculation around Neymar‘s return to Barcelona just won’t go away.

Thomas Tuchel, the coach of France Ligue 1 leaders PSG, who have won all of their nine league matches so far this season, discussed Neymar’s future at the club ahead of the clash with Amiens SC on Saturday. (19:00 UAE time)

And for those who are keen to see the Brazilian star back at the Blaugrana there was reason for optimism.

After a wasteful display in defeat during the opener at Liverpool last time out, Neymar was determined to make amends.

Red Star represent cannon fodder in this section – and they were quickly blown apart by the 26-year-old.

Neymar produced two goals in two minutes upon the 20-minute mark. He first delicately curled in a dead ball from just outside the penalty box, before rattling into the roof of the goal via a give-and-go with Mbappe.

Into the second half, an endemic selfish streak emerged. Team-mates in better positions were repeatedly spurned as he went in search of the match ball.

His first trio in the competition was duly earned on 81 minutes with another unstoppable set-piece from 25 yards.

2 - Neymar 🇧🇷 is the first player to score two direct free-kicks in a Champions League game since Cristiano Ronaldo v Zürich in September 2009. Specialist.#PSGFKCZpic.twitter.com/jkFl4plkIf

SET-PIECE SUPERSTAR – Neymar comes to life when a free-kick comes his way. His effort for Barcelona against PSG in 2016/17 will never be forgotten and this outstanding collection was added to against the Serbians.

You had to feel sorry for Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who had no chance with both. This pair ensured Neymar became the first player since Cristiano Ronaldo in September 2009 to notch two direct free-kicks in a Champions League game.

GOT WRONG

TUNNEL VISION – A resigned look crept across Uruguay centre forward Edinson Cavani’s face. So often present in an advantageous position, Mbappe and – in particular – Neymar went for goal themselves.

This duo teamed up once to devastating effect in the first half. They must think of the team’s goals rather than their own when Napoli come to town on October 24.

Neymar did not pass once to Cavani during his time on the pitch, and only nine passes were made to Mbappe. This has to change.

KEY MOMENTS

9th min CREATES CHANCE: Neymar’s cross produces a poor clearance from Borjan, but Mbappe can only place the ball wide.

20th min GOAL: An absolute beaut of a free-kick dips and curls past the despairing dive of Borjan.

22nd min GOAL: Gets on a wavelength with Mbappe and ruthlessly shoots high into the net from eight yards.

52nd min CHANCE: Mbappe goes on a mazy run, from which Neymar forces the busy Borjan into another save.

68th min FOULED: Neymar is hauled down by the cynical Filip Stojkovic and the right-back is booked. Acres of space beckoned.

81st min GOAL: The best is saved for last. Borjan is motionless and is left to applaud after another free-kick flies in from Neymar.

82nd min SUBSTITUTED: The man of the match comes off to booming applause at Parc des Princes and Germany midfielder Julian Draxler is thrown on.

VERDICT

Neymar’s talent is magical, but its application can be maddening.

Goals of supreme quality were conjured by the world’s third-most-gifted player. What continues to separate him, in particular, from former Barca team-mate Lionel Messi is an incurable selfish streak.

Liverpool rattled him last month and the knockout stages will prove similarly troublesome, unless he adheres to collective aims. There is strength in numbers, after all.